Argentina were without soccer legend Lionel Messi in the South American World Cup qualifiers that dawned on Wednesday (13), but another veteran, Di Maria, stepped up to the plate with two fine assists to help the world champions sweep Bolivia 3-0 away from home, winning both of their qualifiers and shutting out their opponents.
The 36-year-old Messi was with the team, but in view of the fact that he had played 12 matches in 48 days, the coach Scarloni decided to give Messi a rest, and he did not even see his name on the list for this match. However, Argentina's overall strength remains high, even in the highlands, and the 35-year-old Di Maria was the center of attention, assisting Ansel Fernandez and Dalia Feijao in the first half, before Nicolás González sealed the win with another goal late in the game.
